The art of having big potlucks and hosting the entire family over for special events and holidays is the most traditional way of embracing the aloha spirit. Food is a big part of those gatherings on the islands, even down to the tiniest of dishes. “Pupus”, or bite-sized appetizers, draw inspiration from a diverse range of ethnic dishes seen in daily life, and locals pile them high around the holidays. In true kama’aina fashion, everyone brings their favorite pupus to share with their loved ones, gather around the table to “talk story” and share memories while making new ones.

With New Year's Eve approaching, we've compiled a list of our favorite Hawaii-style hors d'oeuvres to get the paina (party) started.

Poke

The holy grail of to-go

Maui, Hawaii, is renowned as a surfer's paradise, with millions of big-wave-loving visitors and lots of professional surfers. Maui's winter promises more than a bright Hawaiian Christmas and a tropical holiday paradise. First, we start to see some of the finest waves of the year around this time. Then, the winter swells begin pouring in, enticing the island's most experienced surfers to get their boards in the ocean and have some serious fun. For those who aren't confident in their ability to brave the raging waves, simply watching them may be an exciting pastime throughout the holidays and winter months. These are some of our favorite spots to sit back and admire Maui surfers' abilities and aptitude, especially during the Maui winter season.

Christmas in Hawai’i feels a lot like a tropical paradise straight out of Santa’s vacation diaries. Palm trees draped in twinkling lights, surfers wearing Santa hats on the water, and Christmas music dancing along everywhere you go! 

If you’ve ever heard Hawaiian Christmas music you know there is nothing quite like it. Unlike traditional favorites like “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” or “Twelve Days of Christmas,'' Hawaiian Christmas music celebrates the holiday spirit as it’s celebrated on the islands. Hawaiian music pioneers like The Makaha Sons, William Kahaiali’i, Amy Hanaiali’i and The Brothers Cazimero add their own Hawaiian spice to the delicacy that is Christmas music. 

Whether you’re celebrating the holidays

Christmas on Maui is never a bad idea. Leaving the cold and icy temperature behind for 80 degrees and Hawaiian sunshine can have anyone learning to say "Mele Kalikimaka" faster than they thought possible. The holidays in Maui are something everyone should experience at least once. Santa wearing slippers and throwing up a shaka, palm trees wrapped in twinkling lights, and people wearing Santa hats while they surf the waves are things you'll see here on the island during Christmas. There's never a lack of fun and adventure, even for a small island. We've rounded up our favorite activities to do during the holidays on Maui below. Perfect for families, people of all ages, couple getaways, or just an escape with friends. There's never a wrong way to do

Golfing on Maui is one of the most intimate island experiences where you can uncover hidden island gems and memories to last a lifetime. With so much to unpack about golfing on Maui we thought we’d share some of our favorite nuggets of information. Island Sotheby’s International Realty’s, Rob Shelton R(B), shares his top 10 favorite facts about golfing on Maui below!

1. Maui Country Club was founded in 1925 and is Maui's oldest golf course in operation. Amenities include a 9-hole regulation par 36 course, tennis courts with dedicated pickleball courts, swimming pool, and direct access to Spreckelsville's "Baby Beach", a clubhouse and pro shop.

2. The Waiehu Course opened in 1945 and overlooks the Waihe'e reef just offshore. The sixth,

The Island of Maui is home to some of the best golf courses in the world. Not only do some host major tournament events, but you can also plan on seeing a few A-list golfers roaming the island during the PGA TOUR, held on Maui every year. But don't take our word for it; let our very own golf enthusiasts at Island Sotheby's International Realty tell you their favorite courses on the island. 

The Plantation Course at Kapalua Bay

Ben Willis R(S): All the golf courses on Maui are fun to play, and it's nice to have a variety at hand. I would have to say The Plantation Course at Kapalua is my favorite to play. It is a real challenge, and I feel like I have accomplished something when I play well there. 

Scott Carroll R(S): Kapalua Plantation & Bay

There are not many places that can beat the charm of the Hawaiian Islands when it comes to choosing the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation.  That's why it's no surprise that so many people seek out The Valley Isle as their perfect golfing holiday. With glorious weather all year, breathtaking scenery at every turn, and a community like no other, it's a no-brainer. The beauty of Maui golfing is the perfect way to discover a wonderfully unique golfing experience.

We invited our Island Sotheby’s International Realty agents to walk us through the world of Maui golfing. Find out all there is to know below!

What are some of the best things about golfing on Maui?

Ben Willis R(S): Maui is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I love to

Born and raised on the island of Maui, Candace Coleman, R(S) grew up amongst the palm trees, cherishing the local lifestyle and enjoying all that the Hawaiian island had to offer. But, this didn’t stop her from traveling throughout the country and world, immersing herself in the flurry of colorful cultures around her. 

Candace attended school in Los Angeles and received a degree in Visual Communications. She followed her dreams to San Francisco and there, she dived into Kitchen Design and worked for established companies in both San Francisco and Austin, Texas. She finally swapped the Pacific Ocean for the beautiful lakes and "Greenbelt" when she officially relocated to Austin in 2016.

Candace has easily become a go-to person for her clients